A relaxed occasion

From the Millennium Wheel, London Zoo to Warwick Castle you’ll be spoilt for choice when deciding on where to hold the important day.

Gone are the days where a couple would select the one wedding venue in their hometown as the number and variety of wedding venue options have increased greatly.

Garden weddings have been popular this year as has the trend for couples to design their own wedding to suit to reflect their lifestyle and what they are all about. With the rise of wedding blogs and pinterest more and more couples are taking the step and tailoring a space that is unique to them. Couples are also looking to make it a relaxed day for friends and family, and move some of the focus away from themselves.

Whatever is decided here are a few essential tips:

LogisticsRemembering to consider the logistics of any venue can save heartache later on. Consider how many guests the venue accommodates, the season, time of day, and any special needs your guests might have. If the venue holds weddings all year round, make sure you ask questions such as: Is there heat and air conditioning? Is there an adequate alternative space if it rains? Is the lighting sufficient for the evening?

Visit the venue at the time of day the wedding will beSaturday is a popular day for couples to go out and visit and most couples still get married on a Saturday. Go back for a second visit at the time of day the wedding will be held.

Is the venue full service or not?A full service venue offers everything from table and chair rentals, to linens and catering supplies, while a non-full service venue usually only offers the space and it’s up to you for the rest. That means booking all of the suppliers for the day. Some venues have preferred suppliers they want you to use, so something to consider. Working with venue recommended suppliers doesn’t provide the option of “shopping” around something to consider in budgeting.

Decide on your wedding styleA romantic vineyard, industrial loft, or elegant barn. All of these spaces sound appealing when planning. But just like it’s not easy to fit a square peg into a round hole, it is not easy to plan a style-specific wedding at all venues.

Make sure and ask and ask again Making a list and asking questions about any venue is important, but not as important as asking that same question to all the people associated with that venue. Depending on whom you deal with and what their role is you may receive different answers, so make sure you ask your questions to everyone — from the catering manager, to the business manager and wedding co-ordinator.

Important questions are, how many weddings are held here in a day? Who will be here helping on the actual day? Is there any construction planned that may affect the wedding? Do you anticipate any changes to the venue beforehand?”

A full service venue offers everything from table and chair rentals to linens and catering supplies, non-full service usually only offer the space and it’s up to you for the rest.

Venue factfile

Brooklands MuseumMake your own history at Brooklands Museum, the perfect backdrop for a truly memorable day; enjoy reception drinks surrounded by motoring and aviation history; followed by your wedding breakfast in one of our Art Deco inspired function suites. First class friendly service every step of the way with exclusive use of the venue, superb quality catering and great attention to detail.

Russets Country HouseRussets Country House combines stunning contemporary design, an unbeatable country location on the Surrey/Sussex border, outstanding views, warm personal service and an intimate atmosphere all of its own.

Oatlands Park HotelThe function rooms feature the ultimate in luxury along with stunning views over the beautiful hotel grounds, providing the most romantic of wedding venues. The stunning architecture and luxurious accommodation views make this hotel a magical wedding setting.

Beaumont EstateSet in 40 acres of landscaped grounds and boasts the unique chapel, elegant wedding suites, delicious food and attention to detail. Choose from three great value packages. Luxury wedding packages from £95 per guest, and a number of exclusive offers for selected dates including late availability dates.

Venue factfile - Outside of Surrey

HMS WarriorSituated in the heart of Portsmouth’s Historic Dockyard, HMS Warrior 1860 commands a prime position in the harbour. The ship is one of the most unusual attractions on the south coast and visited by in excess of 350,000 people a year.

Romantic, atmospheric and entirely unique she provides a superb historical maritime setting for wedding ceremonies and evening receptions for the modern couple!

Licensed for ceremonies for up to 100, able to accommodate from 20 to 288 for exclusive formal receptions, and 600 cocktail style, the ship offers flexible surroundings for wedding parties of any size.

Warrior Preservation Trust is a self-funded charity unsupported by government grants or funding. Warrior relies solely on daily visitors, donations, private hire, weddings, and fundraising events. By choosing HMS Warrior not only will you be giving guests the opportunity to attend a wedding like no other, you’ll also be directly helping to fund and preserve the ship for this and future generations.

For a full brochure please contact the Events Department on the number below.

Tylney Hall Hotel & GardensSeeing dappled sunlight filtering through an avenue of trees as you approach, being surrounded by manicured historic gardens with blooms all year, hearing musicians playing in the minstrel’s gallery as your guests raise their glasses to the bride and groom, these are just some of the magical moments which make Tylney Hall the most romantic country house wedding venue in Hampshire.

With 112 exquisitely furnished bedrooms, a terrace overlooking the longest uninterrupted view of Hampshire and an award winning restaurant, it is a perfect choice for weddings. Rest and relaxation is never far away at Tylney Hall, with the luxurious health suite offering the latest treatments in tranquil surroundings, gymnasium, saunas plus indoor and outdoor pools. There is also an 18-hole golf course.

So much goes into making your wedding day perfect – the service, ambience, décor and wedding breakfast should be magnificent and memorable in equal measure. Tylney Hall offers the services of a dedicated wedding co-ordinator to provide expertise and guidance throughout the planning process.

There are a range of packages from intimate gatherings in the Mansion’s Private Dining rooms to large celebrations in the stunning Hampshire and Chestnut Suites. Fully inclusive, or alternatively, our team can create a bespoke experience for you.

Tylney Hall’s storybook setting is at odds with its convenient location, close to the M25, 40 minutes from Heathrow Airport and with good links into London.

Join us on Sunday 16 October for our Luxury Wedding Show, bringing together a selection of the finest wedding suppliers and brides-to-be. Our Wedding Co-ordinators will be on hand to answer any of your questions or take you for a tour of the hotel.

The GroveThe Grove is more than just a luxury five star hotel, it is set in 300 acres of Hertfordshire countryside only 18 miles from central London. It is the most unique venue for weddings.

Turning into the entrance of The Grove is like driving on to the set of a period drama. The impressive driveway leads to a stunning country estate which stands proud, surrounding itself with 300 acres of rolling Hertfordshire countryside. This five-star hotel and award-winning spa is the perfect setting for a country wedding and is most definitely the place to be seen.

The property fuses contemporary design and original period architecture with exceptionally caring and professional service to revolutionise the English country-house experience.

The Grove has an atmosphere that is informal, unstuffy and relaxed. Visitors sink into gorgeous, ‘groovy grand’ interiors, stuffed with antique and modern furniture and art. The Mansion Lounges offer four elegant drawing rooms for hotel guests leading onto private terraces, as well as an outstanding choice of 23 flexible rooms, perfect for weddings.

The Grove’s grounds are where guests can escape into the romantic formal gardens designed by the Chelsea Gold Medallist and judge, Michael Balston.